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Detroit Sound Conservancy

@detroitsound

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The community-based archive dedicated to preserving, activating, and celebrating Detroit's musical heritage.
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BIG NEWS // We are honored to announce that DSC has received a transformational grant of $1,900,000 over four years from the Mellon Foundation (@mellonfoundation) to support our ongoing rehabilitation of the Blue Bird Inn! The grant will also provide support for DSC’s programming and general operations. Full details in our bio. You made this all possible! To those who have contributed donations, volunteer time and expert advice through the years, THANK YOU! It’s been an incredible journey so far. For everyone following along or just joining, we appreciate each and every one of you for the support. Detroit is the most innovative and influential music city in the world! Let’s keep putting in the work it deserves together. “We are profoundly grateful to Detroit’s legacy of cultural champions who have paved the way for this substantial philanthropic support,” said Jonah Raduns-Silverstein, DSC Director of Operations. “After years of work and advocacy, The Blue Bird Inn will once again become a welcoming home for Detroit’s ongoing musical story. These resources allow us to fully restore the Bird to its historic, sonic, and cultural excellence.” This grant builds off of an initial $100,000 investment from the Mellon Foundation through the Community-Based Archives program in 2021-2022. This funding also forms part of a larger network of Mellon Foundation grantees in Detroit including @BlackBottomArchives, @afrourbanism , @AlliedMediaProjects and Wayne State University Center for Black Studies. “This recognition is a testament to our intergenerational community’s impact on the world!” said Michelle Jahra McKinney, DSC Director and Director of Collections. DSC encourages community members to get in touch and find ways to get involved. DSC’s archive accepts donations of Detroit music material and collections for long-term preservation, stewardship, and community access. Plan for your music legacy and learn more at the link in our bio. #bluebirdinn #5021tireman #placekeeping #detroitjazz #detroittechno #community by @detroitsound
50
2 years ago
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Blue Bird BBQ 🔥 Our annual neighborhood BBQ was extra special this year. DSC director @jahra56 announced the official groundblessing of our rehabilitation project. Donate to help the cause at detroitsound.org/give. #detroit #detroitjazz #detroithistory #5021Tireman #historicrehabilitation taken in Blue Bird Inn by @detroitsound
20
3 years ago
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At long last, the DSC merch store is OPEN – and on #313Day, no less!​ Buying merch is a great way to help DSC with our mission to lift the legacy of #DetroitMusic and preserve the essential history of the greatest music city in the world. We’ll be announcing more merch later in the year, so you can continue supporting our archival, educational & preservation programs. 1️⃣ Our famed #DetroitRenegade tee honoring late, great #TechnoRebels author Dan Sicko 2️⃣ Classic DSC logo tee 3️⃣ Storage find: Limited edition Melvin Davis 7" from @crimetownshow S2 soundtrack, featuring the Detroit #SoulAmbassador’s legendary @deathworldwide cover - plus a vinyl-only LIVE b-side! ➡️ Visit detroitsound.square.site or hit the link in our bio! by @detroitsound
7
4 years ago
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As walking bodies of water ….. We are all archives,  The sound of Childhood + Musical Foundations Jon Dixon Producer, Musician and Music Therapist Jon Dixon began playing by ear at the age of four and began reading and studying classical piano at the age of 15, he also studied Jazz with Mr. Edward Quick. He studied jazz piano under Matt Michaels and holds a BA of Arts in Music from Wayne State University. Join us at Marygrove Denk Chapman Hall for an exclusive free community dialogue + performance with Wendell Harrison, Myrtle Thompson Curtis and Jon Dixon moderated by Michelle Jahra Mckinney!  📍 Marygrove Denk Chapman Hall 🏫8425 W. McNichols 🕡 3:00PM  to 6:00pm 🗓️ October 11th All Ages Free RSVP, link in bio Detroitsound.org/smc/ Afro Moone and Detroit Sound Conservancy presents the first session of Sonic Memory Circles, a community dialogue and performance exploring the intersections of agriculture, music and how sound shapes our memory.  FREE with RSVP! Sonic Memory Circles is a community-centered program exploring the intersection of archival sound, lived experience, and the science of sound wellness. These sessions uplift and preserve Detroit’s history, where intergenerational community members exhibit their craft, share stories, and explore the role sound has played in their unique journeys. Each session features a guided conversation with a community member, supported by a sound-based demonstration (performance) and an interactive exhibition.  WE are the stories and how we hold them and share them is our power 🤲🏿 Performances by: Mr. Wendell Harrison & Jon Dixon  Moderated by: Michelle Jahra McKinney @jahra56  Exhibition by: iii (Triniti Watson) @__triniti  Nourishment + Refreshments Provided Flier: @westend_todd Curated by : Afro Moone + @sierra_mmonet Edit by: Afro Moone Supporting partners: @richardwilsonartwork by @detroitsound
3
7 days ago
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As walking bodies of water ….. We are all archives,  The sound of Agriculture + Activism Myrtle Thompson Curtis Lifelong Detroit cofounder + Director at Feedom Freedom Growers board member of the James and Grace Boggs center to nurture community leadership. Active member of newly formed, north Manistique Block club. Lover of books, and live music, lover of life, freedom fighter advocate for a healthy Earth. Join us at Marygrove Denk Chapman Hall for an exclusive free community dialogue + performance with Wendell Harrison, Myrtle Thompson Curtis and Jon Dixon moderated by Michelle Jahra Mckinney!  📍 Marygrove Denk Chapman Hall 🏫8425 W. McNichols 🕡 3:00PM  to 6:00pm 🗓️ October 11th All Ages Free RSVP, link in bio Detroitsound.org/smc/ Afro Moone and Detroit Sound Conservancy presents the first session of Sonic Memory Circles, a community dialogue and performance exploring the intersections of agriculture, music and how sound shapes our memory.  FREE with RSVP! Sonic Memory Circles is a community-centered program exploring the intersection of archival sound, lived experience, and the science of sound wellness. These sessions uplift and preserve Detroit’s history, where intergenerational community members exhibit their craft, share stories, and explore the role sound has played in their unique journeys. Each session features a guided conversation with a community member, supported by a sound-based demonstration (performance) and an interactive exhibition.  WE are the stories and how we hold them and share them is our power 🤲🏿 Performances by: Mr. Wendell Harrison & Jon Dixon  Moderated by: Michelle Jahra McKinney @jahra56  Exhibition by: iii (Triniti Watson) @__triniti  Nourishment + Refreshments Provided Flier: @westend_todd Curated by : Afro Moone + @sierra_mmonet Supporting partners: @richardwilsonartwork by @detroitsound
3
8 days ago
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Reminder, Detroit 🐦🔥 The Blue Bird BBQ is back on for this Saturday, September 26, 2–5PM at 6532 Beechwood, around the corner from the Blue Bird Inn. 📍 🚧 Hard hat tours of the Blue Bird Inn 🎶 Live music from the Blue Bird Collective — Naima Shamborguer (vocals), Stephen Grady Jr. (saxophone), Pamela Wise (keys), Laura Simone (bass), and Gayelynn McKinney (drums) — plus AK (DJ) 🧒🏽🎉 Family and kid-friendly, with kids activities and a bounce house! 🍖 Great food See you Saturday! Link in bio to RSVP. by @detroitsound
2
22 days ago
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As walking bodies of water ….. We are all archives,  💭What are the sounds of Detroit that have shaped your journey?  💭How do we preserve these memories and honor those who’ve helped create them? Join us at Marygrove Denk Chapman Hall for an exclusive free community dialogue + performance with Wendell Harrison, Myrtle Thompson Curtis and Jon Dixon moderated by Michelle Jahra Mckinney!  📍 Marygrove Denk Chapman Hall 🏫8425 W. McNichols 🕡 3:00PM  to 6:00pm 🗓️ October 11th All Ages Free RSVP, link in bio Detroitsound.org/smc/ Afro Moone and Detroit Sound Conservancy presents the first session of Sonic Memory Circles, a community dialogue and performance exploring the intersections of agriculture, music and how sound shapes our memory.  FREE with RSVP! Sonic Memory Circles is a community-centered program exploring the intersection of archival sound, lived experience, and the science of sound wellness. These sessions uplift and preserve Detroit’s history, where intergenerational community members exhibit their craft, share stories, and explore the role sound has played in their unique journeys. Each session features a guided conversation with a community member, supported by a sound-based demonstration (performance) and an interactive exhibition.  WE are the stories and how we hold them and share them is our power 🤲🏿 Performances by: Mr. Wendell Harrison & Jon Dixon  Moderated by: Michelle Jahra McKinney @jahra56  Exhibition by: iii (Triniti Watson) @__triniti  Nourishment + Refreshments Provided Flier: @westend_todd Curated by : Afro Moone + @sierra_mmonet Supporting partners: @richardwilsonartwork by @detroitsound
5
24 days ago
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Change of plans, Detroit 🌧️🐦 Same time, same place next week. Weather is not looking great for tomorrow — cold and rainy. We’re hoping for a great outdoor event, and there are a lot of moving parts, so we’re postponing the Blue Bird BBQ one week to Saturday, September 26, same time, same place. Blue Bird BBQ — Sat Sept 26, 2–5PM, 6532 Beechwood, around the corner from the Blue Bird Inn. Free food, live music from the Blue Bird Collective, hard hat tours of the Blue Bird Inn every 30 minutes. Thank you for your understanding — we hope to see you next week! Already RSVP’d? No need to do anything. Haven’t RSVP’d yet? Link in bio. by @detroitsound
3
a month ago
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This BBQ doesn't happen without partners 🐦🔥 Huge thanks to Audio Rescue Team (@audiorescueteam) for sound, Solar Power Detroit (@solarpartydetroit) for solar power, Graig Donnelly of Proxy (@proxydetroit) for building and site logistics, NKSK (@nksk.events) for event coordination, Baity Films (@baityfilms) for video, Shelby Robinson (@shelbzrobinson) for photography, and the United Block Club Council (@theubcc) for community engagement and rooting this work in the neighborhood. We're also deeply grateful to the funders who make the Blue Bird Inn rehabilitation possible: the Mellon Foundation, Erb Family Foundation, Hudson Webber Foundation, Kresge Foundation, Gilbert Family Foundation, and the Michigan Arts and Culture Council. Your support makes days like Saturday possible. Your support makes days like Saturday possible. Blue Bird BBQ, Sept 19, 2–5PM, 6532 Beechwood. Free food, the Blue Bird Collective, hard hat tours of the Blue Bird Inn. Link in bio to RSVP. by @detroitsound
1
a month ago
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Five years of BBQs and music 🐦🔥 (swipe for a look back) 2025 — Sophiyah E. (@sophiyah.e) & S.O.L. Tribe (@s.o.l.tribe), with DJ Pirahnahead (@pirahnahead_313) 2024 — Tariq Gardner's Evening Star (@eveningstarmusic, @riq.rogue), with DJ Donna Gardner (@flairdetroit) 2023 — Timeline (Jon Dixon @jondixon_ & De'Sean Jones @deseanjones), with DJ Saylem Celeste (@saylemceleste) 2022 — McKinney Zone Trio (@gayelynnmckinney) brought the music back 2021 — our very first Blue Bird BBQ, right outside these doors Every year, more music, more neighbors, more joy. This Saturday, we do it again. Blue Bird BBQ, Sept 19, 2–5PM, 6532 Beechwood. Free food, the Blue Bird Collective, hard hat tours of the Blue Bird Inn. Link in bio to RSVP. by @detroitsound
0
a month ago
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On behalf of Dale Collins, Dr. La Reese Collins, Connie Williams, Dennis Collins & the Collins-Davis family, thank you for helping us celebrate John “Jammin” Collins’ life, music, service & legacy. -Vronda & Kraig Cox & Devan Williams TY for the extra time, care & love. Michael Steinback, John Clark, Dr. Dara Hill & family, Judy Shelton, Donna Gardner, Stephanie Whittington-Rainge, Tombi Stewart-Fiddler, Daniel Fernandez, Lauren Hood, Rodney Howell, Darryl Hunter, Tyler Dancer, Yaminah Brock, Janet Williams, Dr. Ed Roberts & Derrick Dean- THANK YOU. Stacey “Hotwaxx” Hale, Al Ester, Eddie Fowlkes, Buzz Goree, Tony Peoples, DJ Etta (Crystal Michelle), DJ Holographic (Ariel Corley), Isaac Prieto, Will Cameron (Will Rob Cache), Julion De’Angelo, Mark Flash, Mike Banks, Jon Dixon, DeSean Jones & Urban Art Orchestra, Dimitri Hegemann, Cornelius Harris, The UR family & Natasha T. Miller — thank you for honoring him through your craft. We recognize Mayor Mary Sheffield, Councilmember Scott Benson, Harry Todd, Rhonda Sewell, Dr. Damani Partridge, Bonnie Peck, Madison Decker, Marc Duncan, Morin Yousif, Jason Huvaere, Melissa & David A-P, Jonah Silverstein, Carolyn Wanzo, Sarah Swanson & Chris Collins of the Detroit Jazz Festival, Detroit Entertainment Commission & Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. for your support & friendship. Thank you to MotorCity Wine, Paxahau, Bonstelle Playhouse, Sound Dimensions, Detroit Sound Conservancy, Detroit Jazz Festival, Topa at AC Hotel, Pastor Frederick Turner & the staff of Corinthian Baptist Church, and Randy Ross for the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, every volunteer, contributor & all who traveled near & far. These past weeks, friendships strengthened, bonds deepened, memories were made.His legacy live on through all of us. With love & appreciation, Javier Gonzalez, Joy Santiago Clark, Jason Hill, Sharon Madison Steinback & Gail Ross ❤️ 📸 Jimmy Goldfinger, Detroit Sound Conservancy, friends & family 🎶 The Load Is Lifted (Sunday Morning Remix) — Dennis Collins feat. Ada Dyer, John Collins, Eddie Fowlkes & Bill Heller ❤️ John Collins Legacy Fund: https://cfsem.org/collins/ taken in Detroit, Michigan by @detroitsound
47
a month ago
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Progress to share 🚧🐦 DSC has been working to preserve Detroit's music history for nearly 15 years and all roads in our work lead to the Blue Bird Inn. We’ve come a long way! Next Saturday, we’re proud to host hard hat tours of the Bird that will run every 30 minutes throughout Saturday's BBQ. Make sure to register to secure a spot. You can come see the progress with your own eyes, and learn how we're hoping to start programming inside the building in 2026. We’re actively working every day and by Saturday we will be close to completing the newly constructed two-story addition off the back of the building that will serve as Detroit’s music archive. It's nearly complete! This building has always been more than a construction project to us. In 2012, our very first meetup happened right outside these doors. In 2016, our team salvaged the original stage before it was lost. In 2019, we purchased the building outright. Every step since has been in service of one goal: giving Detroit's musical story a community home. This year the BBQ also moves into a new home. Eight lots along Beechwood are becoming a community greenspace and park, designed by JIMA Studio (@jimastudio). Detroit's cultural resources are heavily concentrated downtown, leaving neighborhoods like ours without much walkable, high-quality public space. This park is part of changing that by bringing, welcoming space directly into a residential neighborhood. It's still a work in progress today, but we're thrilled to finally put this ground to use. This is the same space that will host block club meetings, community gatherings, and years of BBQs to come. None of this happens without this community. Thank you for walking this journey with us. Blue Bird BBQ, Sat Sept 19, 2–5PM, 6532 Beechwood. Free food, live music from the Blue Bird Collective, hard hat tours every 30 minutes. Photos by Austin Richey @austin_thomas_richey! Link in bio to RSVP. by @detroitsound
5
a month ago
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